THE PROBLEM WITH MARY JANE

A PROBLEM WITH MARY JANE

Monday, May 08, 2017

Romans [GW] 5:1-6 Now that we have God's approval by faith, we have peace with God because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done. Through Christ we can approach God and stand in his favor. So we brag because of our confidence that we will receive glory from God. But that's not all. We also brag when we are suffering. We know that suffering creates endurance, endurance creates character, and character creates confidence. We're not ashamed to have this confidence, because God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people.

  Jesus never said “Let not your heart be troubled.” period!

  On the question of heaven’s hotels mine is not. Having been, and continuing to be, a lifelong observer of those utilizing marijuana et al, my heart is troubled at times. Recently so, again requiring the exercise of 1Peter 5:7 and the writing of this DT with the hope of Romans 12:1-3 users repentance pleasing God.

  There are a number of problems with marijuana et al use: physical health, individual or family finances, getting fined and/or arrested resulting in a record, job prohibition, job loss, etc. The one that troubles me most of all is the reason for using and its results.

  To sum up all reasons I’ve been given by inmate or the not-caught: For the calming peaceful effect relieving stress. Escape.

  It’s not that I want people to suffer stress. It’s that I want people to benefit in and from stressors unique maturation; maturation that is missed in the artificial fabrication of peace via mind-altering fog.

  If and when a person of their own volition ceases usage of long term escapism using marijuana or other means, including non-chemical, theirs is a problem that troubles them far more than me. Mine at times    singularly emotional, theirs observably multi-faceted. How so?

  A typical example I’ve observed: Over 40 years a user increasing reliance upon and potency, a man trusted Jesus as redeemer. Reading of His peace the man firmly decided to quit relying on marijuana and alcohol for relief. Thinking the decision was an end in itself he soon was confronted with multiple issues, was confused as to why, and was tempted to retreat to the familiar.

  Fortunately a wise Christian mentor responsibly came alongside of the man. The mentor taught him:

·         The truth about arrested development resulting in immaturity spiritually, thoughtfully, emotionally, socially et al. (Picture the tragedy of a silver haired mid-teen.) And there are ways of catching up, Jesus being the number one Way. Jn.1:1; 14:6

·         Jesus’ peace is real, but it must be increased and maintained by exercise as spelled out clearly in His Word. Jn.16:7-11; Rom.5:1-6; Phil.4:4-9; 1Thes.5:1-24; 1Pet.5:6-10

·         And that he needed to judiciously utilize stressors as a training ground. Rom.5:3c; 2Cor.12:9-10

  Is the above learned wisdom only for those that use marijuana, alcohol, or otherwise to escape life? No, teatotalers such as I and others have and continue to benefit greatly in Jesus’ working peace. If you haven’t already done so, please accept our invitation to His party.

EBB4